Craignethan Castle, near Lanark

Wee Guides to Scotland
Craignethan Castle, near Lanark

Goblinshead

130 Inveresk Rd
Musselburgh
EH21 7AY
SCOTLAND

Standing on a promontory above a deep ravine, Craignethan is an early castle built to withstand artillery. A strong tower was surrounded by a curtain wall on three sides, with a massively thick rampart protecting the landward side. There was also an outer courtyard. Much of the castle is now ruinous, although the main tower survives. Sir James Hamilton of Finnart, a talented architect and the King's Superintendent of Palaces, built most of the castle. Hamilton was beheaded for treason in 1540, although his son eventually inherited his lands. Mary, Queen of Scots, is said to have spent the night here before the Battle of Langside in 1568. The Hamiltons formed the main part of her army, but were defeated by the Regent Moray, and Mary fled to England. The garrison of Craignethan surrendered after the battle, but the castle was retaken by the Hamiltons, then attacked in 1579 and given up without a siege. The defences were then demolished. Craignethan passed to the Hays in 1665, and into the care of the State in 1949. Exhibition.

Directions:	Off A72, 4.5 miles W of Lanark.
Ownership:	HS	01555 860364	Ord. Survey Map Ref:	NS 816464 72
Open:	daily April to September; open daily March and October except Thursday PM and Friday; closed November to February.
Key:	P S R WC £	Click Here for explanation of Key and other abreviations

Fax: +44 (0) 131 653 6566 Tel: +44 (0) 131 665 2894
email:goblinshead@sol.co.uk